Vitamin D Deficiency in Breastfed Infants and Their Mothers in India
Author Information
Author(s): Vandana Jain, Nandita Gupta, Mani Kalaivani, Anurag Jain, Aditi Sinha, Ramesh Agarwal
Primary Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy breastfed term infants and their mothers in India?
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in breastfed infants and their mothers, with significant predictors being maternal vitamin D status, sunlight exposure, and vitamin supplementation.
Supporting Evidence
- 66.7% of infants and 81.1% of mothers were found to be vitamin D deficient.
- Radiological rickets was present in 30.3% of infants with severe vitamin D deficiency.
- Maternal vitamin D levels were significantly higher in summer compared to winter.
Takeaway
Many babies and their moms in India don't get enough vitamin D, which is important for their bones and health.
Methodology
The study enrolled 98 infants and their mothers, measuring serum vitamin D levels and assessing dietary and sunlight exposure.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported dietary intake and sunlight exposure.
Limitations
The sample size was limited and may not represent all regions of India.
Participant Demographics
Infants aged 2.5 to 3.5 months, mostly from Hindu middle-income families in urban/suburban areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. for combined prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 86.5% (78.0, 92.6) for infants and 92.6% (85.4, 97.0) for mothers.
Statistical Significance
p=0.003
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